The History of Byzantium

We discuss the origins of the revived Bulgarian Empire and follow Basil as he campaigns against them and the Fatimids in the East.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally Basil II stands alone as master of the Roman world. Let's get to know him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Civil war resumes as both Bardas Sclerus and Bardas Phokas rebel against Basil. An epic showdown follows which drags the Bulgarians, the Rus, Varangians, Arabs, Armenians and Georgians into the contest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The civil war continues with Bardas Sclerus and Bardas Phokas locking horns. Although the Imperial side emerge victorious, the price is years of tension with their new Domestic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your feedback needed on the idea of me travelling to Istanbul to record material for the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The narrative resumes with Basil Lekapenos elevating his great-nephew Basil II to the throne. However Bardas Sclerus immediately rebels and declares himself Emperor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The full interview with Professor Kaldellis about his book "Streams of Gold, Rivers of Blood." The book is a narrative history from the time when Nicephorus Phokas took charge of the military through till the First Crusade. In our conversation we talk about sources, Basil IIs reign, the Magnates and the struggles of the 11th century. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We return to our interview with Professor Kaldellis to discuss Basil II's reign. We talk about our sources, about his decision never to marry and his relationship with the landed magnates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look at a series of questions about what's been happening in Bulgaria since the peace was signed in 927. Why were the Rus able to defeat the Bulgarians so quickly? What did the Roman occupation look like? And more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did the Romans dream of reconquering their eastern provinces? Or were their border acquisitions enough? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.